Kota Kinabalu: The 14-day Movement Control Order that came into effect Wednesday saw many urban centres in the state deserted with people coming out mainly for takeaway food as well as essentials.

 There were also those who seemed oblivious that there was such a restriction on movement, including gatherings, to stem the Covid-19 pandemic as throngs of people still turned up for recreational activities such as at the Tun Fuad Stephens Park.

  A decision was made to temporarily close the area to public, including the hawker centre located at the parking space. 

“The plan was to close down the area at 3am, our personnel were already there but many people still entered the area,” said a City Hall enforcement official who estimated some 300 people had turned up at the park. 

 He said those who came were allowed in, but by evening until March 31, the park would be closed to the public. 

  “The track is not big enough. We are worried that if we don’t stop people from coming in now, more will turn up and it will be harder to control the movement, there wouldn’t be enough space for them to keep a distance from each other,” said the official.

 He said people should try to stay at home and reduce outdoor activities instead of going out and risk getting infected. 

 The 14-day movement control order entails comprehensive restriction on movements and public gatherings, including religious, sports, social and cultural activities.

 All houses of worship and business premises should be closed, except supermarkets, wet markets, grocery shops and convenience stores selling daily necessities. 

 The closure also involves government and private premises, except those providing essential services, namely water, electricity, energy, telecommunications, postal, transport, irrigation, oil, gas, fuel, lubricants, broadcasting, finance, banking, heath, pharmacy, fire brigade, prisons, port, airport, security, defence, cleaning, retail and food supplies. 

 Several major stretches in the city centre and in Penampang were relatively clear of vehicles at a normally congested lunch hour.  Business premises were closed, except for those under the essential category such as markets, grocery shops and convenience stores, petrol kiosks and banks.

Public transport like buses, minibuses and taxis were in operation as usual. 

 A few laundry marts and even one car wash was found still operating despite not being listed under the essential services. 

At the Donggongon General Market, health officials from the Penampang Municipal Council were seen scanning the temperature of those entering and exiting the premises. 

An official said those who reached beyond 38 degrees Celsius were advised to go for check up at the hospital. 

 “Nobody reached beyond 38 degrees Celsius so far,” he said, after scanning some 200 people.  

 In PAPAR, most day-to-day retail outlets such as supermarkets, grocery stores and wet markets were open especially at Jalan Bunga Raya.

 Ag. Salleh Ibrahim, 48, was grateful for the urgent action of the government and hoped the problem would be resolved soon.

“I find that the people in this district are all in compliance with the order because we believe that is the only way that we deal with the spread of the outbreak immediately.

 “I only go out to town when I have a need to buy everyday food and I will always make sure that my face mask and disinfectant fluid is used when I go out,” he said.

 Housewife Angeline Vera, 37, from Kg Langsat, was confident the outbreak in the area following a case there would be  over if the community continues to comply with the order.

However, the mother of the three hoped that shop premises such as car parts and tyres will be allowed to operate to facilitate public access in the event of an emergency.

 “I also hope the government will monitor the supply of disinfectants and face masks which are now extremely scarce at all supermarkets and retail sales premises due to high demand,” Angeline said.

  In SANDAKAN, there were fewer people in town except some business premises such as grocery stores, supermarkets and general markets are still operating as usual.

 Only a few restaurants opened but limited to food delivery service and takeaways. There are many empty car parks and the main streets also are not busy as it used to be.

 At the Public Market, there were people buying necessities such as fish, vegetable and fruit sales as well as meat and poultry but in fewer number. Some wore face masks and while others did not.

 In KOTA MARUDU , traders said they would comply with any directive from the government for the common good, which is far better than the situation worsening caused by selfishness and unwillingness to co-operate.

The results of the survey on the first day of the implementation of the Movement Control Order, found that none of the traders engaged in trading activities as the market site was empty.

 A small number visited grocery stores, supermarkets and pharmacies. There were traders who were still carrying on business activities as they were not aware, but they agreed to close business premises after being instructed by the authorities.

In KUNAK, wooden shophouses, business premises in Jalan Pangkalan, Sedco and Sapang commercial centres as well as areas surrounding Simpang Empat were deserted.

A Daily Express survey found only a few grocery stores selling necessities and post office operating as usual.

The Kunak General Market (a centre for the sale of vegetables, fruits and salted fish) has been a focus for some consumers to meet their current needs.

Relevant authorities including police officers from Kunak IPD, Kunak Health Office enforcement personnel and Kunak District Council (MDKNK) enforcement officers were seen patrolling the town areas as well as the Simpang Empat township.

 A General Notice by the District Office was issued to all relevant premises regarding the rules of the Movement Control Order.

The public notice also stated that night market operations, weekly tamu markets as well as food-selling activities at food stalls were ordered to be temporarily closed during the period of the Movement Control Order.

 In KENINGAU, several public centres were quiet. There were quite a number of people in Pekan Keningau early Wednesday. However the crowd started getting less towards afternoon.  

“It is calmer here in Keningau today compared to yesterday when there were people shopping for necessities,” he said, noting that retail shops selling necessities continued operation as usual. 

“There is no need for alarm by the government’s decision to impose the movement control order, in fact it is a very good and proactive step towards the safety and health of the people in the country,” said self-employed Fabian Wong.  

Roads were less congested, and several business premises including food outlets are closed. However petrol kiosk and major eateries remained open. Customers are not allowed to dine-in. 

The situation at the hospital is also regulated by screening for covid-19 before repeat patients are allowed to enter the registration counter.  

In addition, patient wards are also monitored, with only patients and one visitor each being allowed to enter the premises at any one time.